Top Chinese App to Download for Your Internship in China: Your Complete Guide

Top Chinese App to Download for Your Internship in China: Your 2024 Complete Guide

Congratulations on landing your dream internship in China! With your visa secured, plane tickets booked, and preparations nearly complete (which you can check out here), there's just one crucial detail left: selecting the right apps to help you thrive in your new environment. In 2024, China's digital landscape is vibrant and diverse, with an array of apps designed to simplify everything from navigating the bustling city streets to managing your daily tasks. This article explores the essential apps you should download to make your experience interning in China smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you're looking for tools to help with communication, transportation, or local services, we've got you covered with the must-have apps for a seamless experience during your internship.

Payment: Navigating the Mobile Payment Landscape

Upon arriving in China, you’ll quickly notice the country’s reliance on mobile payments rather than cash or card transactions. The two essential apps you need for a seamless experience are Alipay and WeChat Pay.

WeChat Pay (微信支付) on the left and AliPay (支付宝) on the right

Alipay is particularly foreign-card-friendly. You can download it before your departure and link your international credit or debit card. With Alipay, you’ll be able to make payments anywhere in China by scanning QR codes or showing your payment barcode to vendors. Beyond payments, Alipay offers a wide range of services: from renting bikes and topping up phone credits to ordering food and buying movie tickets. Most notably, it integrates with public transportation systems, making it an all-encompassing app for your stay.

WeChat Pay is embedded within the WeChat app, which you should also download before your internship in China begins. WeChat is the most widely used app in China, and while it works best with a Chinese bank account, you can still link a foreign card. WeChat Pay allows you to perform similar functions as Alipay, including splitting bills, transferring money to friends, and accessing various mini-programs. It’s an indispensable tool for daily transactions and communication.

Map: Navigating Without Google Maps

Baidu Maps (百度地图) on the left and GaoDe (高德地图) on the right

Since Google services are restricted in China, you'll need alternative apps for navigation. The top choices are Gaode Map and Baidu Maps. While these apps predominantly feature Chinese language interfaces, they are excellent for navigating public transportation, including buses and subways. You can enter your destination in Latin characters, and the apps will guide you through the available transit options. For Apple users, Apple Maps is also functional in China and offers an interface in your language.

Both Gaode Map and Baidu Maps include integrated taxi-hailing services for those times when public transit isn’t convenient.

Taxi: Exploring Ride-Hailing Options

DiDi 滴滴出行

In China, Uber is not available, but DiDi is the leading ride-hailing app. DiDi is accessible as a standalone app, a mini-program within WeChat, and through mapping apps mentioned previously. With various options catering to different price ranges, DiDi is typically the fastest and most popular choice, though it might be pricier compared to local standards. Generally, ride-hailing apps in China are cost-effective compared to Western countries.

For traditional taxis, they can be more expensive and less convenient than ride-hailing apps. You will also find out that taxi drivers in airports will try to offer you their service as soon as you set foot in China. However, with Sina Careers when you arrive in China, don't worry about looking for a taxi at the airport, we will arrange an airport pickup to ease your transition!

WaiMai: Embracing China’s Food Delivery Revolution

MeiTuan Waimai on the left (美团外卖) and Eleme on the right (饿了么)

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of food delivery apps in China, making them a staple for convenience and affordability. Two major apps to consider are Meituan Waimai and Eleme.

Meituan Waimai is part of the broader Meituan app, which offers extensive food delivery options from major chains to local eateries. It’s known for its efficiency, though it’s slightly more expensive. The app also allows for grocery deliveries, a common practice in China.

Eleme operates similarly to Meituan Waimai but is typically less expensive. Both apps offer discounts and coupons, making them even more attractive for budget-conscious users.

In China, you can order everything from fast-food options (KFC or Subway), to China's infamous bubble tea or naicha (奶茶) chains and even hole-in-the-wall restaurants. In only one click you can discovery China's various delicacies!

Social Media: Navigating Chinese Platforms

Douyin (抖音) on the left and XiaoHongShu (小红书) on the right

To access Western social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (X), you’ll need a VPN. However, your time in China is an excellent opportunity to explore local social media platforms.

Douyin is the Chinese version of TikTok, offering unique content and trends not found on the international version. Xiaohongshu (also known as Little Red Book) blends elements of Instagram and Pinterest, providing reviews and recommendations on restaurants, products, and more. It’s a great resource for discovering local favorites and trends.

Delivery: Embracing Online Shopping

From left to right: TMall (天猫), TaoBao (淘宝), and JD.com (京东)

Online shopping is immensely popular in China, and you’ll find several apps to suit your needs:

TaoBao is known for its vast selection and low prices, making it a favorite for bargain hunters.
TianMao (or Tmall) provides an added layer of authenticity for goods, ensuring quality and reliability.
JingDong (JD.com) partners with Tencent and is renowned for its quality control and direct retail approach.

These apps will help you with all your shopping needs during your internship.

Opinions: Finding Local Recommendations

DaZhongDianPing (大众点评)

For recommendations on restaurants, tourist attractions, and more, DaZhongDianPing (also known as Dianping) is invaluable. It functions similarly to Yelp or Google Reviews, offering user-generated reviews and ratings to guide your experiences in China.

During your hospitality internship in China, take the opportunity to discover and explore the top dining spots and restaurants in your new city with the help of DaZhongDianPing. You'll also find that many restaurants, coffee shops, and brunch spots offer rewards or free drinks in exchange for posting a positive review on the app. This practice, known as "Da Ka" (打卡), involves checking in, much like clocking in at work. In this context, it means visiting a venue, sharing your experience through photos and reviews, and often enjoying some perks in return.

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We hope this updated guide on Chinese apps will be useful for your arrival in your hospitality internship in China! For those interested in going to China and taking advantage of the country's advanced technological landscape send us your resume here!

To browse our hospitality internships in China click here!

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Jimmy is in charge of finding you the best internships in China and ensuring you have the best experience in China.

Top Chinese App to Download for Your Internship in China: Your Complete Guide

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